Menus and labels are in English. Event information is machine-translated from Japanese sources, and place details (names, descriptions, opening hours) are shown in Japanese.
Events in Gyoda in August 2027
Festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other events in Gyoda in August, in date order. You can also browse them on the map and calendar.
Events in August 2027 (4 events)
- last Saturday and Sunday of July (usually)
Ukishiro Festival
The largest festival in Gyoda City representing the summer season. The entire town is filled with excitement, featuring special stages and stalls at the eve festival, the main 'Ukishiro Danbe Dance Parade,' colorful portable shrines (mikoshi), and magnificent festival floats.
- August 16 (usually)
Lantern Floating Cool Evening Festival
Following a memorial service featuring sutra chanting and incense offerings, floating lanterns are released onto the Oshi River with prayers for ancestral spirits, peace, and family safety. In this traditional event where magical lights flicker on the water's surface, general visitors can also release lanterns and participate in offering prayers.
- mid-August (usually)
Zaike Lion Dance
A traditional performing art passed down in the Minami-Kawahara district of Gyoda City. A three-lion dance consisting of the Hogen (master lion), male lion, and female lion is performed powerfully to the sound of flutes to ward off evil spirits and pray for an abundant harvest.
- mid-August (usually)
Hariko Shrine Annual Grand Festival (Shimonakajo Lion Dance)
A prefecturally designated folk cultural property performed to ward off misfortune and bring good fortune. Alongside the three-lion dance, traditional bojutsu staff techniques have been preserved, with highlights including dramatic pieces such as Kanemaki, which is based on the story of Musume Dojoji.
Events held in August 2026 (for reference, 15 events)
Many events are held around the same time every year, so use these to plan ahead. Check the official websites for this year's dates.
- 2026Sat, Aug 1
Sakitama Shrine Tanabata Ceremony Gagaku Dedication Concert / Folk Tale Dedication Reading
An event recreating the Tanabata rituals of Heian court nobles. Visitors can enjoy illuminated Heian court-style Tanabata decorations, local folk tale storytelling, gagaku court music, and sacred Shinto Kagura dance performances for free.
- 2026Sun, Aug 2
Public Lecture: Commercial Spaces Living in Modern Times
A public lecture held in conjunction with the special exhibition. Inviting Shinji Tsukahara, Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo Graduate School, as a lecturer, participants will learn about modern commercial spaces through the lens of regional townscapes and traditional folklore.
- 2026Sat, Aug 8 – Sun, Aug 9
Stardust Revue 45th Anniversary Tour
A nationwide tour concert commemorating the 45th anniversary of Stardust Revue. A special live stage featuring a cappella and acoustic arrangements will be held at Gyoda City Industrial and Cultural Hall.
- 2026Sun, Jul 12+1 more date
Local History Museum Summer Theater (Film Screening)
A movie screening using a 16mm film projector. Works related to the local area will be shown, and the actual projector will also be on display in the venue. Museum visitors on the day are welcome to join and enjoy.
- August 16 (usually)
Toro Nagashi Lantern Floating Cool Evening Festival
- 2026Thu, Aug 20 – Mon, Aug 24
Sakitama Shrine Precinct Light-Up
A light-up event where the shrine pavilions and grounds of Sakitama Shrine are magically illuminated. Along with the cool sounds of wind chimes, enjoy the special scenery of the approach decorated with a sea of clouds and wind chimes, as well as the dramatic Ryusen Pond.
- 2026Sun, Jul 19+2 more dates
Gallery Talk: Gyoda's Townscape and Commerce
A gallery talk held in conjunction with the themed exhibition 'Gyoda's Townscape and Commerce.' Learn in depth about Gyoda's history and commerce while listening to detailed explanations of the exhibits from the museum curator.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Real Mystery Solving Game: The Mystery Sleeping in Oshi Castle - Legendary Treasure
An interactive real-life mystery-solving game set in and around Oshi Castle. Participants become the protagonists, solving mysteries hidden inside and outside the castle grounds while enjoying sightseeing on an adventure seeking legendary treasure.
- 2026Sat, Jul 4 – Sun, Aug 30
The 36th Themed Exhibition: Gyoda Townscape and Commerce
Set in the central urban area of Gyoda, which prospered as the castle town of Oshi Castle, this exhibition introduces the lives of people from the Meiji to Showa periods, covering the path to modernization, economic activities, and life along the waterside.
- 2026Sat, Jul 18 – Sun, Aug 30
Summer Vacation Special Event: Visit the Museum in Tabi
A summer vacation event held at the Local Museum. Exclusive photo spots for taking commemorative photos are set up inside, and visitors who enter wearing tabi socks will receive a special uchiwa fan.
- 2026Sat, Jul 18 – Sun, Nov 29
Sainokuni Eastern and Northern Museum Kids Stamp Rally
A stamp rally visiting participating museums across the eastern and northern regions of Saitama Prefecture, open to junior high school students and younger. Participants can receive prizes such as mechanical pencils or original tote bags based on the number of stamps collected.
- 2026Mon, Aug 3 – Mon, Aug 17+2 more dates
Peace Exhibition
Valuable historical materials will be exhibited, including atomic bomb photo panels, a traveling exhibition from the Okegawa Flight School Peace Memorial Museum, and pre-war and wartime children's toys. It is an event to learn about the damage of war and the importance of peace.
- 2026Sat, Aug 8 – Tue, Nov 3
Japan Heritage Quiz Rally 2026
A quiz rally where participants can freely explore the Japan Heritage component cultural properties of Gyoda City while answering questions. Submitting answers earns a participation prize card, and those who answer all questions correctly will have a chance to win a special card set by lottery.
- mid-August (usually)
Zaike no Shishimai (Lion Dance)
A traditional performing art preserved since ancient times in the Minami-Kawahara district of Gyoda City. Three lions—Hogan, male lion, and female lion—perform a dynamic dance accompanied by flute music to ward off evil spirits and pray for an abundant harvest.
- mid-August (usually)
Haruko Shrine Annual Festival (Shimonakajo no Shishimai)
A designated Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture dedicated to warding off misfortune. Alongside the three-lion dance, stick fighting techniques (bojutsu) have been preserved, with highlights including pieces such as "Kanemaki," inspired by the tale of Musume Dojoji.